$120,000 at stake in annual Lagos City marathon

A grand prize of $50,000 among other cash prizes are up for grabs in the 2017 Lagos City annual marathon, the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and major sponsor of the event, Access Bank, have disclosed.

Winner of the race, according to Ambode would go home with $50,000, while second and third place winners will receive $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

The appearance fees for gold label runners is $50,000, silver label $20,000 and bronze label $10,000, adding that invited local and foreign elite runners would be paid 50 per cent of their appearance fee now and balance up when they arrive Lagos for the tourney.

About 50,000 athletes from across the globe are expected to participate in the race which is the second edition, and billed for February 11, 2017.

Governor Ambode while receiving the management of Access Bank, at the State House, Ikeja, said necessary logistics have been put in place to ensure the success of the marathon, which said is also a way of promoting tourism in Lagos.

Ambode recalled that 33, 753 runners including 65 elite marathoners from different parts of the world and over 100 local elite runners participated in the 2016 edition held on February 6. He added that the government was working to ensure that the 2017 edition was an improvement on the maiden edition.

According to the governor, several individuals and corporate organisations have contacted the organisers of the marathon for partnership, adding that it would go a long way to engage and empower thousands of Lagosians in various sectors.

The governor said that the 2017 edition, would also feature the top ten men and women marathoners in the world, who would also be joined by many gold label, silver label and bronze label marathoners from different parts of the world.

Herbert Wigwe, managing director of Access Bank, the major partners of the Lagos City Marathon, expressed optimism that the 2017 edition of the race would be bigger and better.

He said Access Bank was glad to partner with Lagos State, noting that the success of the first edition did not only showcase Lagos to be an avenue for sports development, but also for the growth of tourism and youth development.

 

JOSHUA BASSEY